Official White House Photo by Pete Souza(WASHINGTON) — In remarks celebrating the Islamic holiday Eid al-Fitr, President Obama reaffirmed his support and respect for the Muslim community in the United States.
He acknowledged the patriotic role Muslim Americans have played in not only serving the U.S. military, but also as doctors, architects, community leaders, and police officers.
“We see you, we believe in you, and despite what we sometimes might hear, you’re a part of the American family, and there is nothing you cannot do,” Obama said to the crowd of about 400 people.
The White House hosted the occasion on the Muslim holy day as a time to come together in solidarity with the American Muslim community of nearly three million people, in the wake of recent anti-Islamic rhetoric and threats.
Eid al-Fitr means “festival of breaking the fast” and is a Muslim religious holiday commemorated around the world. It’s a day of observance, but also an occasion for Muslims to show their gratitude to God and give alms to the poor. The holiday marks the end of Islam’s holiest month of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar in which Muslims adhere to a strict fast observed from sunrise to sunset.
Colorful headscarves filled the crowd and speakers talked about the experience of being American Muslims and read from the Quran. 12-year-old Raahima Siddiqi of Virginia led off the remarks with a recitation of the Arabic prayer, Surah Fatiha, which is the first chapter in the Quran, Islam’s holy book.
Aisha Osman, 15, of Beaverton, Oregon was selected to introduce Obama after he read a letter she had written to him several months ago about her experiences as an African-American Muslim.
“As an African-American Muslim, I’ve been called a terrorist and the N-word. What those people don’t know is that I am proud to be an American,” Osman said. “I know I am the future of this country that I love.”
Obama called her letter “heartbreaking.”
“Now that’s a young American full of promise,” he said, “fearful because of her faith.”
Chants of “Four more years!” rang out as Obama spoke about the “challenging times” the country is currently facing.
Copyright © 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
